There are different ways in which culture or ethnicity can impact the treatment of development of mental health disorders. One specific example is the treatment of depression in Hispanic culture. Depression is commonly defined as “a mood disorder involving a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest” (Morales-Brown, 2021, par. 5). While Hispanic communities demonstrate the same susceptibility to depression when compared to the general population, they face a number of challenges that affect their treatment.
One of the ways in which culture impacts the treatment of depression in the individuals of Hispanic origin is through religion. Studies have shown that the majority of Hispanic population is religious (Morales-Brown, 2021, par. 7) Religion can have both positive and negative impacts; for example, it can provide spiritual support during treatment. At the same time, some religious people may perceive depression as a spiritual problem and not seek any medical treatment. Taboos and stigmatization present in some Hispanic communities can also negatively affect the treatment of depression, as people suffering from it may avoid revealing or discussing their symptoms.
Another factor that can impact the treatment of depression is identity. For example, if individuals of Hispanic origin live in different cultures, they may have to assimilate to those cultures. This process is called acculturation and is often associated with “a higher rate of depression among Hispanic people” (Morales-Brown, 2021, par. 9). To address these and other cultural needs of Hispanic people suffering from depression, counselors have to provide quality care based on cultural humility and competence. To make mental healthcare culturally-sensitive, counselors may be advised to spend a significant amount of time discussing issues of cultural identity, awareness, pride, as well different taboos and stigmas.
Reference
Morales-Brown, L. (2021). What role does Hispanic culture play in depression? Web.